Afghan Biographies

Achakzai Tribe

Name

Achakzai Tribe

Ethnic backgr.

Pashtun

Date of birth

Function/Grade

Pashtun Barakzai Subtribe

History and Biodata

Achakzai is a Pashtun subtribe of Barakzai Clan. There are various other subtribes within the Achakzai clan like ( Adozai, Shamshozai, Sultanzai, Matakzai, Ishaqzai, Alizai, Shakarzai, Hamidzai and Ghabizai ) mainly settled in Pakistan. The village or hometown of the Achakzai's is Qilla Abdullah in Balochistan and in the Pashtun dominated areas of Afghanistan mainly in Kandahar Urzgan and Helmand provinces.

Various political figures aroused in the history of Achakzai tribe like Mullah Abdullah Khan who fought against the British Raj of India in the 19th centrury when they extended to the border of Afghanistan. Esmat Muslim was Achakzai of the Adozai subclan and was a renowned military leader of the Soviat backed regime in Aghanistan. The people of the region opposed the occupation.

Major cities of the Achakzai dwelling are Chaman along the border of Afghanistan in Pakistan and Spin Boldak on the side of Afghanistan. Gulistan and Toba Achakzai also Abdullah Khan and Quetta.

The Achakzai's have demanded a separate province for the Pashtun ethic group, a province that should include Quetta, Qilla Abdullah, Mianwali and Pastun parts of Balochistan, NWFP, FATA and named as Pashtunistan.

Some famous Achakzai's are Mahmood Khan Achakzai (MNA and Chairman of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party), and his father was another respectable politician, Shaheed Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai. Historically Achakzais are brave intelligent and patrioitic people. They have always fought for their land and have a good sense of discussion and critical thinking. Most of the Achakzais are very good in negotiation and conflict resolution. In addition, Achakzai's are famous for their ouitspokeness.